Alexandria elementary school remains closed due to potential lead exposure concerns

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( DC News Now ) — The Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School in Alexandria remained closed on Oct. 1, because of a potential lead exposure.

School officials said the potential exposure happened during the school’s window replacement project. As a result, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School was closed to students and staff on Friday, Monday and Tuesday as crews cleaned the building.

Officials said clearance testing has to be completed and results verified before students and staff can return.

The Alexandria Health Department ( AHD ) said lead exposure happens when people put items containing lead into their mouths or breathe in lead dust. When young children or pregnant people are exposed to lead, this can cause harmful effects.

According to the Virginia Department of Health ( VDH ), lead exposure can lead to headaches, brain and kidney damage, developmental delays, learning disabilities, reduced hearing, loss of appetite and behavior problems.

Health officials said the only way to know if someone has lead in their blood is by taking a test. Tests can be completed through health care providers or by calling the AHD at 703-746-4988.

On Tuesday, Alexandria City Public Schools , VDH and AHD will hold a webinar at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom to address concerns. The password to the meeting is: 679942.

For more information about the potential lead exposure and webinar, visit the Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School’s website .

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